South Lanarkshire College bosses called in investigators after concerns were raised over alleged misconduct within the institution’s ranks, Lanarkshire Live can reveal.
The “external forensic investigation", which was called by principal and chief executive Aileen McKechnie earlier this year, is understood to have taken several months to complete.
Upon its conclusion in May, investigators from the East Kilbride college’s internal auditors produced a report which made "a number of recommendations for improvements to internal procedures".
Following the probe, college hierarchy "accepted all the recommendations in full".
A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire College said an action plan has now been implemented to take forward management’s response to the recommendations contained in the report.
He revealed that the recommendations currently being implemented at the college include the refreshment of some HR and finance policies, improved training for staff involved in procurement work, and improvements in stock control.
A college statement reads: “The college takes any allegation of staff misconduct extremely seriously. Complaints made were initially investigated internally before an external forensic investigation by our internal auditors was introduced earlier this year.
“The investigation concluded in May and provided a report with a number of recommendations for improvements to internal procedures.
“The college has accepted all recommendations in full and has already agreed its management response with its audit and risk committee in July. An action plan is now in place to take this forward.
“At South Lanarkshire College, we provide a supportive learning environment that is safe, respectful, equitable and inclusive for all students, faculty and staff. As a learning organisation, it is important that we are always on a cycle of continuous improvement.”
South Lanarkshire College declined our request to view the full audit report, citing "confidential information" contained within.
College chiefs also refused to provide information about the nature of the complaints, the cost of the investigation. or to reveal how many recommendations were made.
The spokesperson added: “We cannot provide any further information on this matter beyond what we have already commented.”
Police Scotland were not involved at any stage.
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